Verucca/Warts

Skin and Nail Care

They are caused by a viral infection
and over time, develop into a hard, rough growth on the surface
of the skin. A wart is most commonly seen on the bottom of the foot
(known as a plantar wart or verruca), but can also appear on the
top. Most warts are harmless, but can often be painful.

If left untreated, warts can grow to 2cms or more in circumference
and can form into clusters of several warts, these are called mosaic
warts.

Warts are spread by touching, scratching or even
by contact with skin shed from another wart. Warts may also bleed
- another avenue for spreading.

Warts may appear spongy, with tiny red, brown, or black spots. If left
untreated, warts can spread to other parts of the foot. They can persist
for years and occasionally may spontaneously disappear after a short
time only to reoccur in the same spot.

Warts are sometimes mistaken for corns
or calluses.
When warts develop on the weight-bearing areas of the foot - the ball
of the foot, or the heel, for example - they can be the source of sharp,
burning pain. Pain occurs when weight is brought to bear directly on
the wart, although pressure on the side of a wart can create equally
intense pain.

Children, teens, and people with allergies or weakened immune systems
are more vulnerable to the wart virus.

They are caused by a viral infection and over time, develop into a
hard, rough growth on the surface of the skin. A wart is most commonly
seen on the bottom of the foot (known as a plantar wart or verruca),
but can also appear on the top. Most warts are harmless, but can often
be painful.

Your Podiatrist will examine your wart carefully to determine that
it is not a corn or a callus. There are many ways to treat warts, depending
on their size and location. Topical medications, freezing or burning
or a dry needling procedure are the most effective treatments to remove
warts. Even after warts are removed, they may reoccur.